Helping you get a little more creative~

Art studios, residencies, creative use space, all on an oasis of beautiful gardens with inspiring artists.

Welcome to the EncaustiCastle Compound (The EC)—a vibrant multi-studio creative hub, urban farm, and sanctuary for artistic growth located in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky.

For over a decade, this space has been fueled by pure sweat equity, grit, and a passion for bringing artists together. Now, we are entering our most exciting chapter yet. The EncaustiCastle has officially secured non-profit status, transforming this creative oasis into a permanent legacy where art, ecology, and community thrive in tandem.

We are stepping forward to turn on a new light—one that prioritizes meaningful connection, enduring creative substance, and a shared responsibility to cultivate the soul of our world.

You must have a room, or a certain hour or so a day, where you don’t know what was in the newspapers that morning, you don’t know who your friends are, you don’t know what you owe anybody, you don’t know what anybody owes to you. This is a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are and what you might be. This is the place of creative incubation. At first you may find that nothing happens there. But if you have a sacred place and use it, something eventually will happen.

Joseph Campbell

For Artists and Creators click here

For Patrons and Legacy Partners click here

There’s this place…

It’s an old place, and it’s a city place

and it’s a magical, alive, spirited place.

People come to this place,

from far and near,

and are changed.

And change the place.

It grows lighter,
brighter,
as if the turret so high reaching, reaches even higher,
bold and brilliant.

This place comes alive;
and brings to life
Art
Community
Collaboration
Grace, all of it.

This place,
this old place, this city place,
this brilliant, bright, art, grace place,
is here.

Inside and out,

studios, rooms, gathering spaces
it is all here-
for you.
Come.
See what it takes to make your unique magic,
with your unique group,
shine too~

I have a studio at the EncaustiCastle for multiple reasons, but mainly because of the discipline it affords my writing. I enjoy having a “place” where I can focus solely on my work. The EncaustiCastle is beautiful and the setting is inspiring. There is art all around, even in the architecture and windows. The backyard offers much as well, and one of my favorite things is to sit on the second story deck, writing away.

Trish, the EncaustiCastle originator and host, is gifted in creating an environment that is welcoming, warm, and stimulating. It is impossible to be here and not be motivated to create!

Debra

_____________________________

Oasis of peace, color, freedom – that’s my studio at the EncaustiCastle. I love coming to work! Just by walking in the door, I feel better.

A designated workspace is imperative for any creative person. and the EncaustiCastle provides that need with spaces suitable for a variety of creative expressions. The community here is supportive and interested.

The EncaustiCastle has space. Space to pursue ideas and visions. Space to learn and grow. Space for community, with an assortment of experiences and support. Space to walk the grounds, visit flowers and fruits, distract oneself or refocus. Space for creation or to just be.

Artist, Marta Dorton

Being an Artist-in-Residence at the EncaustiCastle allowed me to go deeper with my art, and to come to a better understanding of what I put into it and why.

I have a better toolbox to put to use in regard to how to tap into and sustain my own creativity because of the space Trish provides and the availability of her wisdom and experience from over 3 decades spelunking the creative way herself.

Sara

Tools to take my work to the next level; Patricia at all her retreats and home venue delivers this on every level! Inspiration, motivation, encouragement and example; not to mention space, materials, meals and accommodations! It is the whole package, and everything I hoped for.

Hillary

Thanks to these lifetime partners in creativity~